GB2359326A - Portable ladder fitted with damage prevention roller - Google Patents
Portable ladder fitted with damage prevention roller Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2359326A GB2359326A GB0003309A GB0003309A GB2359326A GB 2359326 A GB2359326 A GB 2359326A GB 0003309 A GB0003309 A GB 0003309A GB 0003309 A GB0003309 A GB 0003309A GB 2359326 A GB2359326 A GB 2359326A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- roller
- arms
- ladder
- side member
- axle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 title 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 11
- -1 lawn Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003051 synthetic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 244000043261 Hevea brasiliensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920003052 natural elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001194 natural rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
- E06C7/48—Ladder heads; Supports for heads of ladders for resting against objects
Abstract
A portable ladder (1) includes two arms (5) each securable to the upper end of a ladder side member (2) and at least one resilient roller (12), mounted on an axle (8), located between the arms where the width of the roller is at least half the distance between the arms. Preferably the arms are arcuate and the roller extends outwardly from the side members.
Description
2359326 1 IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO LADDERS This invention relates to
ladders and in particular to portable ladders.
Portable ladders usually comprise two side members, and interposed between the side members are located a plurality of conveniently spaced rungs. The number of rungs depends upon the length of the side members. Extending ladders comprise a number, generally two or three, of smaller ladders slidably disposed within the main ladder and capable of being secured to an upper rung of the main ladder. The side members of portable ladders are essentially parallel, although some portable single ladders may have converging or diverging side members, particularly at their upper ends. All these ladders are intended to rest at their lower end on the ground and at their upper end against a resting object. In this specification, the term "ground" includes any solid surface on which ladder is generally used, such as, for example, compacted soil, lawn, concrete, paving, wood, and the like. In this specification, the term "resting objecC means the object against which the ladder rests such as for example, brickwork, roofing, guttering, scaffolding, tree, and the like.
The object of a ladder is to enable a workman to attain a greater working height. Such use is conventional and extends to the professional workman and the amateur user around the house.
Much damage can be caused to a resting object by inadvertent striking of the upper end of the ladder against the resting object when the ladder is being placed into position. For example, when a ladder is being positioned near a window for cleaning, the upper end of the ladder could break the window or damage the window frame; also for example, if a ladder is being used on a roof, slates or tiles, being the resting object, may be damaged if the ladder strikes the roof sharply when being positioned or manipulated on the roof.. This is generally caused by the upper ends of the ladder 2 being smacked against the resting object. Such damage may be very costly to make good, particularly if the windows, frames or roof are on an old building so that repair material is not readily available or unavailable.
There is therefore a need for an apparatus that can be used on ladders to enable the possibility of such damage to be eliminated or much reduced..
According to the present invention, an apparatus is provided for a portable ladder having essentially parallel side members which apparatus comprises having a pair of arms for attachment to the upper end of each side member of the ladder, at least one resilient roller mounted on a corresponding axle or axles located between and/or outwardly from the arms, means to locate each arm on each side member and means to secure the arms to the side member, the width of the roller being at least 50% of the distance between the arms.
The side members of conventional ladders often have an 1 or T shaped cross section, but preferably, principally for increased strength, have a rectangular or square box cross section. Such ladders are generally made from a light metal, such as for example, aluminium or aluminium alloy.
The arms of the apparatus of the present invention are conveniently made from similar metal, and have a cross section appropriate for attachment to the side member. Thus, where the side member has a square or rectangular cross section, the arms will have similar cross section, but larger or smaller dimension at the end of the arm to locate the arm on the side member so that that part of the arm may slide over or preferably within the side member. That end of the arm may be similarly adapted for location onto a side member having an 1 or T cross section. Because such location is slidable and the arm may disengage form the side member, means should be provided to secure the arm to the side member. The securing means should be releasable so 3 that the apparatus of the invention can be removed from the ladder when not required. The securing means may be for example a bolt extending through both the arm and the side member, maintained in position by a nut or wing nut, but is preferably a spring catch, releasable when the apparatus is no longer required.
The arms should be essentially parallel, and may be straight or, preferably, arcuate. If arcuate, the ladder is then conveniently a short distance from the resting surface making work at or near the resting surface somewhat easier.
The roller is mounted on, and can rotate, about the axle. The axle is preferably mounted between the arms, but may extend also or only outwardly from the arms. The axle is conveniently a rod which is provided with means to allow replacement of the roller, for example if the axle is located between and through the arms, it may be provided with a head at one end to abut the outside of one arm and a screw thread and wing nut at the outer end of the other arm.
By the term "roller" herein is comprehended a plurality of such rollers mounted on the same axle.
The roller may be made from any suitable resilient material. It may be made for example from synthetic or natural rubber, from flexible thermoplastic such as for example plasticised polyvinyl chloride, or from such materials which are in the form of a foam. A preferred roller is made from a foam, which is provided with a harder, but still flexible, skin. The skin may be provided with ridges and dimples on its surface. In a preferred embodiment the roller is replaceable; in a further preferred embodiment the resilient material is replaceable. The width of the roller, if located between the side members, should be at least 50%, preferably at least 75% but no more than about 95% of the distance between the side members so that the roller may freely rotate about the axle. If a roller is located, or rollers are located, outside the 4 side members, then the total width of these rollers should be at least 50%, preferably at least 75% of the distance between the side members.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the arms are pivotally located and latchably secured to the upper end of at least one side member. Therefore the roller can be pivoted into a desired position, relevant to the particular job required of the ladder, and releasably maintained in that position. On release of the latch, the roller can be pivoted back to a storage position alongside (that is underneath) the ladder but not proud of the upper end of the ladder. such a stora e position facilitates Y 9 use of the ladder when the roller is not required, but enables easy use of the roller when desired. The latching means could be, for example, a friction device or preferably a ratchet device located at or adjacent the pivot.
Therefore in operation, the ladder is being placed against, for example, a window ledge or a roof, the roller spreads the load of the ladder and enables the ladder to more easily manipulated into the desired position, and without damaging or with minimum damage to the resting object.
The invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying figure which shows a portable ladder according to the invention.
The figure shows the upper part of a conventional portable ladder 1 made from aluminium alloy and having side members 2 of rectangular cross section. The ladder is provided with conveniently spaced rungs 4. At the upper end 3 of the ladder is provided an apparatus according to the invention. The apparatus is provided with 2 arcuate arms 5 having similar cross section to the side members, but having smaller dimension at their lower end 6 to enable the arm to slide within the side member, and secured therein by releasable, spring biased pin 7. Between the arms 5 towards their upper end is provided an axle 8 having a head 9 at one end and a screw thread and wing nut 10 at the other to facilitate removal of the axle. An additional rung 11 is provided between the arms to give extra stability to the apparatus. Roller 12 is mounted on the axle 8. The roller extends about 80% of the distance between the side members. The roller is fabricated forn flexible synthetic rubber foam inner 13, covered with a rubber skin 14.
In a first alternative embodiment, the axle 8 extends outwardly from each of the side members and a roller is located on each of the extensions.
In operation, the ladder is placed on the ground and positioned against a resting object such as a wall or a roof easily, smoothly and gently without any damage to the resting object. When no longer required, the apparatus can be removed from the ladder by depression of the spring biased pin 7 and sliding the apparatus from the upper end of the ladder.
6
Claims (1)
- An apparatus for a portable ladder having essentially parallel side members which apparatus comprises having a pair of arms for attachment to the upper end of each side member of the ladder, at least one resilient roller mounted on a corresponding axle or axles located between and/or outwardly from the arms, means to locate each arm on each side member and means to secure the arms to the side member, the width of the roller being at least 50% of the distance between the arms.2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the arms are arcuate.3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or claim 2 in which the roller is mounted on an axle between the two arms An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the axle on which a roller is mounted on at least one axle extending outwardly from at least one side member.5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the arms have a rectangular cross section.An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the securing means is releasable.An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6 in which the roller has an external flexible skin.8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7 in which the roller is made from a thermoplastic foam.7 9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8 in which the roller is replaceable.10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore, described with reference to the accompanying figure.A portable ladder fitted with an apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 10.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0003309A GB2359326B (en) | 2000-02-15 | 2000-02-15 | Improvements in or relating to ladders |
US09/755,061 US6419045B2 (en) | 2000-02-15 | 2001-01-08 | Ladders |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0003309A GB2359326B (en) | 2000-02-15 | 2000-02-15 | Improvements in or relating to ladders |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0003309D0 GB0003309D0 (en) | 2000-04-05 |
GB2359326A true GB2359326A (en) | 2001-08-22 |
GB2359326B GB2359326B (en) | 2003-10-22 |
Family
ID=9885520
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB0003309A Expired - Fee Related GB2359326B (en) | 2000-02-15 | 2000-02-15 | Improvements in or relating to ladders |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6419045B2 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2359326B (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007055564A1 (en) * | 2005-11-09 | 2007-05-18 | Van Der Linde Wolbert Noel | Ladder support |
GB2487408A (en) * | 2011-01-21 | 2012-07-25 | Eric Burden | A support apparatus with hydraulic leveling means |
EP2354434A3 (en) * | 2010-01-28 | 2015-10-28 | Axel Dr. Schultze-Petzold | Foam- or air-upholstered protective-shoe for setup-ladders |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040055821A1 (en) * | 2002-09-17 | 2004-03-25 | Kruse Matthew J. | Ladder modification accessory |
US20110186383A1 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2011-08-04 | Steven Richard Ambriz | Curved ladder for tank access |
US8830486B2 (en) | 2011-07-04 | 2014-09-09 | Kla-Tencor Corporation | Atmospheric molecular contamination control with local purging |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4754843A (en) * | 1987-10-30 | 1988-07-05 | Austin Anderson | Roller accessory for ladder |
EP0771931A1 (en) * | 1995-10-31 | 1997-05-07 | Didier Dupuy | Safety device for ladder and ladder incorporating the same |
US5833028A (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 1998-11-10 | Ramsey; Gregory D. | Roller attachment for ladders |
US5881838A (en) * | 1996-08-26 | 1999-03-16 | P&S Improvements, Inc. | Ladder having movable ladder support |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3318416A (en) * | 1965-10-13 | 1967-05-09 | Robinson Billie | Stepladder accessory |
US3773143A (en) * | 1971-12-09 | 1973-11-20 | Del Prete | Roller attachment for ladders |
CA1212654A (en) * | 1982-02-12 | 1986-10-14 | Stephen R. Skarsten | Ladder safety device |
US4580660A (en) * | 1984-01-03 | 1986-04-08 | Morris Oling | Ladder attachment |
US4880079A (en) * | 1988-09-01 | 1989-11-14 | Leclerc Roland P | Ladder cap |
US4998982A (en) * | 1988-12-16 | 1991-03-12 | Arnold William F | Metal ladder construction with reinforced side rails |
US4974699A (en) * | 1989-05-08 | 1990-12-04 | Boring Clair W | Ladder safety device |
-
2000
- 2000-02-15 GB GB0003309A patent/GB2359326B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2001
- 2001-01-08 US US09/755,061 patent/US6419045B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4754843A (en) * | 1987-10-30 | 1988-07-05 | Austin Anderson | Roller accessory for ladder |
EP0771931A1 (en) * | 1995-10-31 | 1997-05-07 | Didier Dupuy | Safety device for ladder and ladder incorporating the same |
US5881838A (en) * | 1996-08-26 | 1999-03-16 | P&S Improvements, Inc. | Ladder having movable ladder support |
US5833028A (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 1998-11-10 | Ramsey; Gregory D. | Roller attachment for ladders |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007055564A1 (en) * | 2005-11-09 | 2007-05-18 | Van Der Linde Wolbert Noel | Ladder support |
EP2354434A3 (en) * | 2010-01-28 | 2015-10-28 | Axel Dr. Schultze-Petzold | Foam- or air-upholstered protective-shoe for setup-ladders |
GB2487408A (en) * | 2011-01-21 | 2012-07-25 | Eric Burden | A support apparatus with hydraulic leveling means |
GB2487408B (en) * | 2011-01-21 | 2014-09-17 | Eric Burden | Self levelling support apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6419045B2 (en) | 2002-07-16 |
GB0003309D0 (en) | 2000-04-05 |
US20010013445A1 (en) | 2001-08-16 |
GB2359326B (en) | 2003-10-22 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20060215 |